Three unexploded World War II bombs were discovered in the German city of Cologne, The Guardian reports, quoted by News.bg.
As a result, nearly 20,000 people were evacuated. Three bridges over the Rhine have been closed, and rail traffic in the area has been temporarily suspended or diverted.
The bombs are of American origin - two of them weigh 1,000 kg, and the third is 500 kg. They were found on the right bank of the Rhine during construction activities. Each is fitted with a shock detonator designed to be triggered on contact with a hard surface.
Before the bombs are defused, volunteers, police and local authorities conduct extensive checks of the area. Tents, sports halls and churches outside the danger zone have been set up to temporarily house evacuees. Local authorities are providing food, drink and necessary support for those affected.
Even 80 years after the end of World War II, such finds remain common in Cologne - one of the worst-hit German cities during the conflict. The city was subjected to 262 air raids by the Royal Air Force, killing around 20,000 people.